Gene May Guide Thyroid Cancer Treatment
A specific gene mutation may be useful in predicting the level of aggression of thyroid cancer and help guide treatment options and follow-up care, according to a new study by UCSF. The mutation, called BRAF V600E, is a genetic alteration in the BRAF oncogene, a modified gene believed to cause cancer.

Letter from the Chair

This issue of Inside Surgery delineates several new and exciting avenues of research in surgery and their application to important clinical conditions. The use of autologous islet transplantation reflects the application of refined techniques of islet isolation to the clinical problem of chronic pancreatitis with avoiding the need for immunsuppression. The work represents a collaboration between transplant surgery (Andrew Posselt, M.D.) and pancreas surgery (Hobart Harris, M.D.).

The work of Valerie Weaver, Ph.D., in regeneration represents an application of the need to study the specific environmental factors that may be important as we seek to replace diseased tissues and organs. We are delighted to have Valerie at UCSF directing the Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration in the Department of Surgery.

The third example of innovative approaches to clinical disease is the collaboration between thoracic surgeon Pierre Theodore, M.D., and foregut surgeon Marco Patti, M.D., who have developed a minimally invasive approach to the treatment of esophageal cancer.

These three projects are exciting examples of the talent and innovation we are fortunate to have in the UCSF Department of Surgery.

Nancy L. Ascher, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor and Chair, UCSF Department of Surgery

Inside Surgery — Fall 2007 Table of Contents

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